Kitchen Policy – Cherry Hinton Baptist Church (May 2026)
Cherry Hinton Baptist Church provides kitchen facilities for church and community use. To ensure the kitchen remains safe, hygienic and in good condition, all users must follow this policy.
Church Responsibilities: Cherry Hinton Baptist Church will:
- Maintain kitchen equipment, fixtures, fire safety equipment and first aid supplies.
- Provide appropriate fire extinguishers and a fire blanket, maintained annually.
- Provide a visible first aid box and accident book in the kitchen.
- Provide bins, cleaning materials and disposable gloves (for single use only).
- Maintain suitable food storage facilities, including refrigeration.
- Provide a maintenance request form for reporting faults or breakages.
User Responsibilities
Safety and Security
- Children must be supervised by a responsible adult.
- Kitchen doors and hatches must be closed when leaving the building.
- Faults, breakages and accidents must be recorded using the forms provided.
Cleaning and Tidiness
Users must leave the kitchen clean and tidy after use. This includes:
- Wiping down surfaces
- Cleaning sinks
- Emptying kettles
- Returning items to the correct cupboards
- Sweeping and mopping floors where needed
Cleaning Items and Products
- Cleaning products must remain in their original containers and be stored in the correct cupboard out of reach of children.
- Only clean cloths may be kept near the sink; dirty cloths must be disposed of.
- Keep kitchen cloths clean and separate from non-kitchen cloths.
- Take home used tea towels for washing and return them promptly.
Waste and Recycling
- Food waste bins must be emptied and cleaned after each use.
- General waste and recycling bins must be emptied when full, and replacement bin liners fitted where required.
Food Safety
- Wash hands before and during food preparation.
- Store food at the correct temperature and keep chilled food refrigerated.
- Do not leave chilled or ready-to-eat food out of refrigeration for more than 4 hours.
- Do not use food past its use-by date or refreeze defrosted food.
- Keep raw and cooked foods separate.
- Cook food thoroughly and defrost frozen food fully before use unless packaging states otherwise.
- Ensure allergen and ingredient information is available and avoid cross-contamination.
- Remove leftover food unless agreed otherwise.
Appliances
- Clean ovens, hobs and microwaves after use.
- If using the dishwasher, where possible, empty it before leaving.
- Dirty dishes must not be left in the dishwasher.